Key takeaways
- New Zealand provides world-class education that emphasises creativity and practical learning, and prepares you for real-world challenges.
- You can choose from a wide range of in-demand courses spread across multiple intakes — February, July, November, and rolling.
- The February intake is the most preferred due to its widest course selection, while the July intake and other alternative intakes offer advantages such as less competition and flexible start dates.
- November intake and rolling intakes offer short-term courses, diplomas, and certificates and provide you with greater flexibility in course application. These intakes are helpful if you missed earlier ones.
- Choosing the right intake involves considering factors such as university policies, course availability, visa timelines, and personal preferences.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the New Zealand education system
- Types of intakes in New Zealand
- Comparison between different intakes in New Zealand
- Factors to consider while selecting an intake in New Zealand
- Impact of intakes on the visa application process
- Tips for international students on New Zealand intakes
- Scholarships and financial aid across different intakes
- Pros and cons of different intakes in New Zealand
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Want to learn more about intakes in New Zealand? Talk to our experts.
Academic intakes are the months when universities accept applications for their courses, and knowing more about these intakes is essential to planning your studies and finances properly. Before you apply for a course in New Zealand, understand the various intakes, course availability, scholarships, and other details so that you make the right choice. Let us explore more about academic intakes in New Zealand. Keep reading!
Overview of the New Zealand education system
New Zealand offers a world-class education system that follows a student-centred approach and encourages innovation and creativity.
The education system follows a three-tier model where free and compulsory education is provided between the ages of 6 and 16.
The three stages are: Early Childhood Education, Schooling, and Tertiary Education. Early Childhood Education covers children under 5, Schooling includes primary and secondary education for children between 6 and 16, and Tertiary Education covers colleges, universities, and polytechnics.
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NQF) evaluates and ensures the quality of education in various institutions throughout New Zealand. For international students, the country offers several trending courses in disciplines such as Business, Data Science, Hospitality, Engineering, Technology, and Accounting. With its prestigious universities, like the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland, you can look forward to a high-quality learning environment where you can reach your full potential.
Types of intakes in New Zealand
Intakes refer to the period when educational institutions accept applications for their academic programmes. When you consider studying in New Zealand, it is important to have a good understanding of the types of intakes offered by New Zealand’s educational institutions.
The intakes offered by educational institutions in New Zealand are as follows:
- February intake
- July intake
- November intake
- Rolling intakes
Main academic intakes
New Zealand offers two main academic intakes for international students: the February intake and the July intake.
February intake (Fall)
The February intake is the primary intake where you can apply for a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The deadline for applying to courses in this intake is usually between November and December of the previous year.
July intake (Spring)
The July intake is the secondary intake with a lesser number of courses compared to the February intake. The deadline for applying to courses in this intake is usually around May and June. You can apply for many research-focused postgraduate programmes during this intake.
Special and alternative intakes
In addition to the main academic intakes, educational institutions in New Zealand offer alternative intakes for greater flexibility.
November intake (Summer)
Certain universities offer smaller intakes in November. This allows you to apply for many specialised postgraduate programmes, diplomas, and certificates. You can use this intake if you missed the earlier deadlines.
Rolling intakes
Rolling intakes are offered by certain universities, allowing you to apply for courses at different times of the year. This provides the flexibility to start your studies at a convenient time.
Comparison between different intakes in New Zealand
It’s important to understand the differences between various intakes so that you can choose the best one that meets your academic goals.
| Intake | Typical semester period | Application deadline | Course availability | Best for | HIghlights |
| February | February to June | November - December | Widest range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses | Students wanting full course selection and the earliest start | Primary and most popular intake |
| July | July to November | May - June | Good course selection, slightly fewer than February | Students who missed the February intake, mid-year entry seekers | Less competition for accommodation |
| November | November to March | September - October | Limited courses, mostly diplomas & certificates | Students seeking niche or flexible programmes | Less common, fewer options |
| Rolling | Year-round (varies by course) | No fixed deadline | Vocational and certificate courses mainly | Students needing flexible start dates | Offers maximum flexibility |
Note: The application deadline may vary based on the institution and academic programme. For smooth processing, apply 3 to 6 months before the commencement of the intake.
Factors to consider while selecting an intake in New Zealand
There are many factors to consider while choosing an intake, such as course availability and preparation time. Here are the key aspects you should keep in mind while making a choice.
- Course availability
- University policies
- Application deadline and visa planning
- Campus environment
Course availability
You can find a wide range of courses in the February intake, especially for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The July intake also offers a good selection of courses. The November and rolling intakes come with limited options and primarily offer diplomas and certificate programmes.
University policies
Some universities give more importance to the February and July intakes. You’ll be able to apply for certain competitive courses only in these intakes. You can check the university’s calendars and understand the intakes for your desired academic programme.
Application deadline and visa planning
Check the application deadline of each intake to ensure that it aligns with your timeline. Rolling intakes offer flexible deadlines, making it convenient to apply throughout the year. The visa application and processing time also vary for the intakes. So, it’s also important to verify these timelines in advance.
Campus environment
The February intake provides busy campuses due to the availability of a wide range of courses, while the July intake is less crowded. If you join during the February intake, you can expect a lively social environment supportive of your overall growth. Rolling intakes are ideal for personalised attention due to the smaller class sizes.
Let’s explore the academic intakes in New Zealand. Consult our experts.
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Impact of intakes on the visa application process
The intake you choose can impact the visa application process and timeline. A high volume of applications during certain intakes can lead to longer processing times. For example, February intakes usually see a high volume of applications, and this can lead to possibilities of delays and rejections. Similar delays may occur during the July intake as well.
It is recommended to apply early, well before the intake’s start date. Make sure that your application is complete and accompanied by the correct set of documents. Rolling intakes may be more flexible, but you are advised to stay alert and apply on time to avoid delays.
Tips for international students on New Zealand intakes
Start researching the various intakes and course availability well in advance. Early research will allow you to choose the right intake and provide sufficient time to gather the required documents.
The type of courses offered varies for different intakes. Select the intake that offers the right course and specialisation. Also, ensure that the deadlines and visa processing time are aligned with your academic plans. Since the deadlines vary between universities, keep track of the dates and ensure that you apply on time.
Another important factor to keep in mind is the required documents. Understand the complete list of documents in advance and gather them early to avoid submitting incomplete or incorrect ones.
The cost of living and rent also fluctuate depending on the intake period. Since major intakes have a higher number of students, the accommodation and living costs may be higher during these periods. So, ensure you consider these factors while preparing your budget.
Scholarships and financial aid across different intakes
There is a wide range of scholarships and financial aid in New Zealand that are aligned with various academic intakes. Understanding scholarship options across intakes will help you plan your finances efficiently.
Most scholarship application deadlines are aligned with the major academic intakes of February and July.
The largest number of scholarships is awarded in the February intake. The July intake also provides good scholarship opportunities, even though it’s fewer than in February. The number of scholarships is very limited in the rolling intakes since the intake is primarily meant for diplomas and certificates.
Take a look at scholarships and financial aid across different intakes in New Zealand.
| Type of scholarship/financial aid | Examples | Common intakes |
| Government-based Scholarships | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, New Zealand Excellence Awards | February, July |
| University-based Scholarships | University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships | February, July |
| Pathway-based Scholarships | Te Huarahi Scholarship | Varies based on the university |
| Education loans | Offered by financial institutions and education consultants | Applicable year-round |
Note: You should regularly check the university website for updates on scholarship openings linked to each intake.
Pros and cons of different intakes in New Zealand
Academic intakes in New Zealand are designed to meet the diverse academic goals of international students. However, before choosing an intake, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each one.
| Intake | Pros | Cons |
| February | Largest intake. Wide range of course options. Several scholarships are available. | High competition for admission. The cost of living may also be higher. Earlier application deadlines. |
| July | Offers an additional opportunity for students who missed the February intake. Suitable for students needing extra preparation time. | Slightly fewer course and scholarship options |
| November | Good for diplomas, certificates, and short-term courses | Limited course availability |
| Rolling | Highly flexible start dates with no strict deadlines | Limited mostly to vocational and pathway courses |
Final thoughts
New Zealand’s education system is renowned globally for its quality and student-centred approach. The country offers several trending courses to international students that are spread across academic intakes in February, July, and November, along with rolling intakes.
Each intake has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. February intake offers the largest number of courses but is more competitive. Rolling intakes may have a limited number of courses and scholarship opportunities. Understanding the details of the intakes will help you choose the right one that is aligned with your academic goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Which intake is best for international students in New Zealand?
The best intake depends on your individual circumstances and academic goals. However, the most preferred intake is February, where a wider selection of academic programmes is available.
Does New Zealand have a September intake?
Yes, New Zealand does have a September/November intake. This is often offered for diploma and certificate programmes and is less popular compared to the February and July intakes.
Does New Zealand accept study gaps?
Yes, New Zealand does accept academic gaps. However, you must provide strong reasons and supporting documents explaining the gap.
Are all courses available in every intake?
No, not all courses are offered in every intake. February intake offers the widest number of courses, followed by the July intake. The November intake mainly provides certificate and diploma courses.
Which intake is best for a New Zealand student visa?
The February intake offers a wide selection of courses and scholarship opportunities. But the admission process may be competitive, and visa processing could take more time. If you need more preparation time, the July intake could be ideal. The best intake will depend on your personal circumstances and academic goals.
How long before the intake should I apply for a student visa?
It is recommended to apply for the student visa well in advance, as visa processing may take weeks to months. Ideally, you should apply 2 to 3 months before your course begins.
